Can gas-powered trucks meet the needs of long-haul operations?

With interest in alternative fuels on the rise, both LNG and bio-LNG are presenting themselves as one of the most viable alternatives to diesel. But can they deliver the range and power needed by long-haul operators?

LNG and bio-LNG are potential game-changers for the trucking industry but the success of gas-powered trucks depends on a number of factors that are not so easy to predict. Gas is a realistic alternative to diesel, at least in some territories, since it can be used in compression ignition engines with high efficiency.

As a result, gas-powered trucks offer on par performance as their diesel-powered equivalents. The vehicles available on the market today can deliver up to 500 hp and cover ranges of up to 100 km, making them ideal for long-haul operations.

The key difference is their climate impact. With LNG, tank-to-wheel CO₂ emissions are around 15-20% less compared to diesel, and with bio-LNG (and HVO), emissions are virtually zero.

Does gas offer a path towards climate-neutral long-haul trucking?

The number of LNG fuel stations is growing rapidly, and at the time of writing there are now 780 LNG refueling stations in Europe (up from just 200 in 2019).Meanwhile several major truck manufacturers have developed and introduced gas-powered models to the market with stronger engines that will suit longer haul applications.

For some businesses, it’s quite possible that the available LNG refueling network is already sufficient to enable gas-powered trucks to replace conventional diesel. This will result in a significant reduction in their CO₂ emissions.

In the longer term, as production of bio-LNG increases, it will be possible to make a gradual transition to net zero emissions. This is because gas-powered trucks can run on both LNG and bio-LNG, or even a blend of the two, while the same refueling infrastructure can be used for both.

Is gas a viable long-term solution?

I am fully convinced that we have now reached a point in time where LNG is a viable fuel alternative throughout Europe. It will also become an increasingly viable fuel in China and India. Of course, we must bear in mind that different circumstances apply in different countries. What might be the most feasible fuel alternative in the Nordics may not work in Germany, or vice versa. Naturally much depends on prices and on the commitment of authorities to invest in the further development of LNG infrastructure.
 

There is one thing we can be certain about, however. With the European Union and other global organizations setting strict targets regarding CO₂ emissions, diesel vehicles are being banned in cities across the EU and elsewhere. While these bans have not yet been extended to trucks and buses, they may well be incorporated into legislation that sets 2030 as a deadline for lower emissions.

Many truck operators will need to find an alternative to diesel – and for many gas could be the best option.